As the New York Giants continue their rebuild behind rookie signal-caller Jaxson Dart, a familiar voice has weighed in on the team’s future, and it’s one that carries two Super Bowl rings. Giants legend Eli Manning recently spoke about Dart’s development, expressing optimism about the franchise’s direction despite a turbulent 2-7 start to the season.
The Giants, plagued by injuries to key players like Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, have struggled on both sides of the ball. They rank near the bottom of the NFL in both offensive and defensive efficiency, allowing 30 or more points in four consecutive games. Yet, through the chaos, Dart’s emergence has provided a rare glimmer of hope for the organization and an endorsement from a former star of the franchise.
Eli Manning Endorses Jaxson Dart as the Giants’ Franchise Quarterback
Manning, who has kept a close eye on the Giants’ progress, praised the young quarterback’s poise and energy. “It feels like they’ve got their quarterback, they’ve got their guy, which is exciting,” Manning said during his recent appearance at “Up & Adams Show,” acknowledging the long-awaited stability under center that has eluded New York for years.
He also couldn’t resist adding a lighthearted jab about Dart’s growing popularity around the city. “I got to call him for reservations now. He’s been posts in the town, and that’s exciting. You know, he’s playing well,” Manning joked, illustrating how the rookie has quickly become a face of the franchise.
“It feels like they’ve got their quarterback, they’ve got their guy, which is exciting.”
— Eli Manning on Giants QB Jaxson Dart@EliManning | @JaxsonDart | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/zOlR3Zsnm6
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 6, 2025
Manning continued, explaining how Dart has revitalized the Giants’ locker room and fan base: “He and [Cam] Skattebo revived and got the team excited. They’re playing good football, unfortunately, with his injury, but Jaxson still has a lot of talent, and, excited for the future of the Giants. It feels like they have their quarterback, got their guy, which is exciting,” Manning said.
His comments reflect a shared sentiment among fans that, despite the current setbacks, the Giants have finally found the right signal-caller to lead them into a new era.
“They just gotta get some players back. They’re a little banged up right now, losing neighbors, losing [Cam] Skattebo, but, they got a lot of heart, a lot of fight, and that’s what you love to see.”
Former Ole Miss Superstar Dart’s Rookie Growth Mirrors Early Manning Lessons
Manning also offered a dose of perspective, recalling the steep learning curve that comes with being a rookie quarterback in the NFL. “And so I’m excited for the rest of the season. And just to see him grow, I think as a rookie in the NFL, every week is just a learning experience,” Manning explained.
His insight underscores the patience required by both the player and the franchise, while working with a rookie, to ensure that he holds the same enthusiasm and has something to look for.
“It’s a time to get in there. You’re gonna make some mistakes. You’re gonna do some great things, but it’s just gonna prepare you for the next week and for the next year. And that’s kinda how I looked at my rookie year.”
Manning added, “Just so much film that he’s gonna have to look at, to learn from, to make those adjustments. And I think he has that work ethic. He has that commitment to getting better each and every week, not repeating mistakes and taking those next steps. So I expect to see that from him.”
Manning’s words echo what Giants insiders have been saying all season: Dart’s preparation, leadership, and maturity are far beyond his years.
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Statistically, Dart has been impressive for a first-year starter. Through eight games, he’s thrown for 1,175 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 251 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
According to PFSN’s Quarterback Impact (QBi), his 62.3% completion rate and a QB Impact score of 77.7 with a C+ grade that ranks him among the top rookie passers, with an exceptional third/fourth-down conversion rate of 48.1%, fourth-best in the league. His dual-threat ability has given the Giants a new offensive dimension unseen since Manning’s tenure.
While the Giants’ offensive line and defense remain works in progress, Dart’s ability to extend plays and lead scoring drives has given the franchise a foundation to build upon.
A New Chapter in New York Giants History
For a team long defined by Manning’s era, Dart represents a bridge to the future, a field general who blends mobility, confidence, and leadership in a modern NFL mold. His early success has drawn natural comparisons to Manning, but Dart’s own identity is beginning to take shape.
With veterans like Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston guiding him, Dart has embraced his role as the face of the Giants’ next generation. As Manning noted, the key now is consistency and growth, traits that could turn potential into permanence.
If Dart continues on this trajectory, the Giants may have finally found their long-term answer at QB, one capable of carrying on Manning’s legacy while carving his own path in the blue and white.
